My Boys Paparazzimommy

awesome contest!! ends soon

2011-02-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

head on over to Laura winslow photography for this one of a kind giveaway!

The not so perfect parent post

2010-05-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Say that fifty times fast!! lol

Ok so I am CON.VIN.CED that I am NOT the only parent out there that feels like a failure most of the time. For a while I was positive I was, then I started noticing and listening to other parents and it turns out they were feeling what I was feeling. BUT (you knew there was a but right??!!!) no one will admit it until someone else does. No one will!!! So here I am....but I doubt it's a big shock to anyone that knows me! I still feel like I am the worst mother in the world, but at least I give it the old college try. Which, in retrospect doesn't say much, since I never went to college. oh well, I must digress.

For those that don't know the ins and outs of our lil family here, I was a single mom for 8 years. (kid #1's biological dad has since passed, but he was never a part of kid #1's life. The death was a shock, so we are actually dealing with it kind of weirdly because kid #1 is in worship mode right now. He's thinking of all the "what ifs". I do too.) Moving along, I married a man that I dated in high school, but we married when we were 30 and 27 (of course I am the younger one, still holding strong to that 27 after 7 years of marriage!!) Along came kid #2 six months after the marriage. Yes people, the baby was conceived out of wedlock. Ok, lets move on! :-) Kid #3 came along 3 years later. And then kid #4 S.H.O.C.K.E.D. us 2 years later almost to the day of #3. We were done with #3, but #4 decided not so.

Now kid #1 is almost 16 years old. yeah, he's so fun. NOT. (ok, there are those 8 hours when he's sleeping) He has this idea that he is entitled to everything, has to work for nothing and on top of all that, he is God's gift to women. (he does in fact get that from his dad!!!) Let me tell you, as hard as all that is to deal with, when he is the nice, sweet, respectful young man that he can be...oh he makes my heart melt. His brothers worship him, as do all his cousins. (particularly the little girls that are close to his age and all their friends too!! lol) With that note, he makes you work HARD to see that side of him.

Kid #2 is ADHD, recently diagnosed. We are on our third round of meds with him. Pretty positive this is the keeper though. (and if anyone wants to talk about that, let me know. It took me a long time to decide to follow thru with that check up and diagnosis and it was hard. It still is very hard for me to admit that he is ADHD, because you get THAT look. You know...and it will soon follow with the "worst mother in the world" feeling). He is our little loner who likes to play in his room, using his imagination. And if you could keep all his brothers away during that time, that would be fantastic!

Kid #3 is a not a talker. He is almost 3 years old. He understands everything you say, can follow directions very well, and does say some minor things. But not much. He has his own language. He is also a bully. Oh he is sweet as can be sometimes. When he gets mad, world look out!! I want to blame it on his daddy, who he is very much like, including looks, but really his anger comes from me.

Kid #4 is just as sweet as can be. He's also only 8 months old. hehehehe So he's perfect. Please someone help that child though, cause his head is a magnet to concrete, hard floors, table corners, hard toys and pretty much anything that cause bodily hard. It kills me.

In addition the hubster and I have fights. And we get really upset with each other. He hates that I stack stuff all over the place. I do. I have piles of papers in the kitchen, living room, our room, the dining room...everywhere. I hate that he has a huge pile where his keys and wallet go. I mean he puts EVERYTHING there. At least mine is broken up. :-)

Ultimately we all love each other. One day we will all look back fondly and recall this time. And I will THEN find out that I was a pretty good mom. While my kids will remember the things they will NEVER do to their kids, they probably will. Just like I did with my mom.

And that my friends is what family is, I hope. At least here it is. What you see on tv is NOT what family is. Even though we strive for it. But seriously people-you know who writes those lines? Single people. Who aren't married, who don't have kids, and who are rolling in the dough!! They are still dreaming! They will wake up one day covered in spit up, from 3 days ago, realize they haven't had a shower, they need to make 3 dozen cupcakes by tomorrow morning, all their eggs are rotten and the toddler is drinking the last cup of milk. It's at that point they will realize how stupid and naive they were when they were writing those lines. I am CONVINCED that is how the show The Middle came about. If my #3 would talk, he might just whisper like Brick.

Good day to all and to all a good day!

new contest

2010-03-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

http://phototips.alexismiller.com/2010/03/nikon-d80-camera-giveaway.html

some ramblins

2010-02-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

So I totally suck at keeping up the blog. I am doing better than before, but I still need to actually concentrate on it. Does it help that I think about doing it?? If only it was as easy as facebook. (now there is a place I can update no problem!!!) But then again, FB isn't as interesting as a blog-not in the long term at least. It's like books vs magazines, FB is the magazine, blogs are like the books. See, I have so much to say, I really need to get on here. I need to get it out. lol

Here we are at the end of February...so much is going on. Elliot is almost 6 months old, Sam is turning 6 next month and he was recently diagnosed with ADHD. That took a lot for me to admit and go thru. Not because I am against medications, I'm not. I believe in them and think they are necessary sometimes. I don't believe in the hype about so many being diagnosed now a days, compared to way back when. I think these are just new things that are being discovered. (remember mental problems used to be something that would require people to be locked up for life!) Now when I tell people that he is on the medications, I feel guilt. Like I am one of those moms that is just looking for a way to quiet my kid or something. Seriously, I have 4 kids, 4 BOYS!! It's never quiet. But it has been a Godsend! He is not only calmed down quite a bit, but he's so much sweeter now. He's happy. He's not in trouble as often. It's my sweet boy that I knew was in there, but he was so frustrated by what he felt that he just lashed out and then usually ended up in a crying fit.
Yesterday we took the kids to the local park to play some putt putt (it's FREE!!!) and to walk around looking for a branch for a photo display. (photos to come soon, it's not ready yet) We had a blast. It's been so cold here and then it gets warm and then it gets cold again, so we have all been sick. And I really hate taking little babies out in the cold. I avoid it at all costs. I know I am weird, it's ok. My lil sister tells me all the time! It was so nice out there though. 70 degrees, a little bit of a wind, so a light jacket was required. It was oh so nice. Then we saw her. A Miniature Pinscher. A Baylie-my black baby girl. oh the heart ache.
We lost her in June 2008 after she discovered a few brownies wrapped in a napkin. It was my fault. I live with that every day. They were in my purse, I didn't put my purse on the dresser or a table, but on my bed. So when I saw this dog at the park, I got down on the ground and she crawled into my lap. And I cried. I never liked Min Pin's before. I actually didn't want her when Kevin called and told me about her. But she needed a home and there was no way I could turn my back on a dog that needed a home. And when he brought her home she didn't like me. (her human mommy before me didn't like her and was mean to her, so she didn't trust women) She became my little baby. Every where I was, there she was. If I was sewing, she was at my feet. If Iwas blow drying my hair, she was at my feet, waiting to be blow dried. She was wonderful with Sam and Gabe. She always had to lay by them if they were on the floor. She never nipped at them, but if they were doing something wrong, she would put her mouth on their hands, but never bit. I was lucky with a min pin like that. They actually are not supposed to be good with kids. No one told Baylie, so she was great with them. But boy, was she bad!!! She was always into something. Which is why I should have known better with the brownies. But I had forgotten them. She suffered a heart attack and there was nothing that could be done to save her. Now I am super vigilant even with chocolate cereal!

So lets change that subject...sorry about that.

I have been on a decorating and crafting tangent here lately. I didn't grow up in a decorated home and I am not one of the tidiest people in the world. I can live in clutter, though it bothers me, it's just sometimes easier to ignore. (let me add, I hate dirty, it's just the piles of crap that just creep up on you) So I have been trying to fix it, while fighting kids and hubby that don't want to change what we have. Our biggest problem is toys. That is our biggest fight also. So I do what I can and have to back off. But we are actually moving all 3 of the youngest into one bedroom and then making the biggest room a toy room, with the tv. Great for me, because I hate having the tv in their bedroom. So their bedroom will just be for sleeping and reading books. The play room will be an ongoing process though, because I want some Ikea cubbies and such for one wall, and since our income does actually have a limit, I have to buy when I can. (which isn't right now)

For now I am working on the downstairs. I am so excited about our entry way. I rescued some benches from my neighbors-they were actually throwing them away!!! aaaccckkk!! Now that I am not hugely pregnant anymore and it's warming up I will be able to finish them. I am ordering some wall shelves from JCPenney that finally went down in their price (y'all know I am super uber cheap!) I made a memo board that will coordinate with all. I can not remember where I saw this idea, but it's been in the back of my mind since I saw it. And Michael's had their big frame sale, with an additional 25% off frames, so I grabbed it! All you do is wrap your material around the "guts" in the frame and viola! You write on it with dry erase markers. Mine was drying out, so I have to get new ones.

Ok, gotta go to Walmart for some more flannel for Elliots rag quilt..will post photos then!

another giveaway

2010-02-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

at the savvy photographer!
http://www.thesavvyphotographer.com/

today is the day of Pioneer Woman book signing

2009-12-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

and I'm NOT there!!! boohoo I am doing the right thing though. I know. We are all sick. She doesn't need to be sick. But SERIOUSLY??!! I believe these children (otherwise known as Devil's Spawn) are cooking up something to keep me from doing anything other than what they want to do. It does not involve me going off meeting an idol while they are at home without me. Heaven forbid I do anything without them!! Even if I included them in it, they would complain the whole time I was in line. I heard the lines are HOURS long. But I would have waited. In the freezing cold. With snow. (yes snow!!!! in Houston) I betcha she is freaking out wondering why Houston was the first place that had snow. But we did.

And we played in it. Even though we were sick.

Seriously...how cute is he?! I mean really...

And this is where Gabe is pretty much telling me he is done.
Do you want to know why my kids think everything I do has to involve/revolve around them?? Here is why...this is my backyard. Well, it was when we bought this house. Then we moved in. And THEY took over. EVERY.STINKING.SQUARE.INCH. They even use the shed for their storage! The patio doesn't have pretty furniture on it, it has rubbermaid tubs full of backyard toys and sandbox toys. When you look out the upstairs window over the neighborhood, there are no other houses that have this. Sam told me so. We have the best backyard he says. :-) And THAT'S why I wouldn't have it any other way.
and can I proudly say how cheap all this was??!! We only paid full price for that swingset-3 years ago. Everything else came off of craigslist and was so cheap. I love that!

So then Bubba (Austin) and Sam came home from school and we had to go back outside in the snow. Poor Gabe's hands were so cold he was in pain! Unfortunately we use knit gloves around here. Those are NOT good for making snowballs with your brother. And your hands hurt later. So much that you cry.

Of course then there is Sammy. He gets off the bus like this. Jacket? In his backpack. Yeah, cause THAT'S where it goes! (love that hat though! It came from Mudpies and Pigtails. I wish I could buy more!!! But as much as I like her, my bank account -aka my husband-doesn't)

This is Sam's friend (our neighbor) Joshua. Gabe loves being around them, so he always is!
This is Sam's first snow angel. He was so proud!! oh my gosh...my boys are so handsome!!! Seriously, how can you stand it??

These hoodlums? I have no clue who they are. They look like they are up to no good. They are trying to cover their faces and their hands. No witnesses and no fingerprints. Yep, up to no good!!! I am not related to, nor is anyone I am related to related to any of these hoods. And I most definately do not hang out with any of their mothers. Nor am I the mother of any of them!Sam, Joshua, and Nicholas. Always up to no good.

See I told you. Look at them trampling all over our poor neighbors flowers!!! They were playing with their little boy, but he ran and hide everytime he saw the camera.So stinking cute!!

Now we are off to Grammy's for some visiting and picking up a few of her decorations that she is giving us. Every year they buy something else and they just pass on their older stuff.

Oh and I just discovered Christmas shopping on line. It's wonderful. Especially when you don't want to take a 3 month old and a 2 yr old in public, in strollers, in Christmas crowds. In and out of carseats. I bought 4 peoples gifts on line. They are going to be delivered to my house. How wonderful!!

gobble gobble

2009-11-28T07:22:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! This one was a little bittersweet. I received news late Wednesday night that my cousin, my mom's first cousin, passed away. She was only 55 years old. Close to my mom's age. That is not a good feeling. I had been upset Wednesday thinking about how Thanksgiving was before I was married. I remembered the burn n serve rolls (aka brown n serve rolls) that my grandma always made. The dressing that my family makes. We always had to make 2 green bean casseroles because the first one was always eaten before the actual dinner took place. (I have NO IDEA who did that, none whatsoever) So to find out about Aunt Debbie was just par for the course. (yes, we called her Aunt Debbie, actually more like Ain't Debbie-just a southern thing I guess)

Thursday was us deciding if Elliot and I would be going to my mother in laws house. Elliot has been stuffed up for a day or so and I didn't want to bring him out and around others. But my mother in law insisted. And I felt bad about it. There was only one of Kevin's siblings going to the in laws, so she was already upset. So we went. I'm glad we did. It was really nice. Tim and Kerri brought a bounce house and by the kids reactions, all was right with the world!

And the static electricity makes Gabe look sorta spikey.

There was lots of running around and riding bikes too. We love that Grammy lives in a cul de sac.
There was lots of playing with our family and making Christmas decorations.

I managed to capture the a rare site on camera. I am disappointed at the overall photo, but to have captured it at all is a great accomplishment that i am very proud of!!!
The elusive teenager!! The only proof that Austin was actually at Thanksgiving. This was also the first holiday since his dad passed away. It's a little different than most because he didn't know his dad. But he is very close to his dad's sister now and it was very rough for her. Friday was also Vinnie's birthday, again the first since his death. Austin spent Friday with them. That was tough for me, because I am not used to him splitting the holiday time with anyone. But I was already so sentimental after Debbie's death, I could understand why Renee needed Austin. Besides, I can't imagine losing my sibling. That's just awful.

We had a fantastic dinner and lots of family time. Fun was had by all!

Lazy Day

2009-11-25T15:45:00.000-08:00

We are sitting here enjoying a wonderful, though rare, lazy day. It's wonderful! No cooking dinner (have lots of leftovers), no school or work tomorrow...just lazy. These are actually very rare in our house, with 4 kids you can't sit around a whole lot.

So yesterday we were off the computer for a lot of the day. We stayed upstairs putting clothes up and washing a few more. Gabe loves when we play upstairs-that's 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and the hallway! He can drag some toys out in those areas. And Lord help you if you don't watch him the whole time. I went down to get us drinks and a snack and I was greeted by this.

I recently moved the games to this cabinet. They were previously in a closet in an area they couldn't reach. Then I did that. Stupid, I know. But in my defense, I moved all my photography stuff to the closet, which is downstairs. It actually makes better sense. Except on days like these.

When Gabe is so proud.
Then he did this
Yes, that is my bracelet he is wearing. Another perk to being upstairs...mommy's jewelry box. One of his favorite toys. So much so that it had to be moved into the toilet area so he wouldn't always get in it!! lol Oh and I got in some serious trouble when I moved that horse back out into the hallway. You know those "angry, scorned women"? They are NOTHING compared to my pissed off 2 yr old. Lemme tell ya!

Remember those leftovers I was telling you about? Well I have been cooking up a storm this week. Mostly from the Pioneer Woman's book. I made her Comfort/BBQ Meatballs and her Mashed potatoes. huge hit! big!!

Then last night there was Marlboro Man's Fav Sammy and her Onion Strings. This is what we have been eating all week and tonight. it has been F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S. around here!! And I feel good about cooking such good stuff!

And because it's Thanksgiving, here's one of my lil man's having his turkey parade at school!!! Gooble Gooble!!

I need to focus on my blogging...

2009-11-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

ok, so I suck at bloggin. shut it Jenn!! (I know you are a follower and will get updated because I am actually *gasp* bloggin! You moved, so you can't say anything! hhhmmmpphhh!! but you better come Dec 5th!) I really want to blog though. I think about it all the time, don't you know that? oh wait, I gotta blog for you to know that huh? darn it.

I especially need to keep up with it to show my photography to people that may not walk in my house and search my files for all my photos. Because that's where I keep them. It does so much good!!! But we are on a new venture to get my name out there and to get more practice for my photography. Kevin is pretty sure people would pay for me to shoot them, I disagree. I feel guilty if they ask how much and I actually give a price. Like I am Olan Mills or something! lol Then talk about huge guilt when they compare me to those places that have initials like PP and PI that can give you your photos in 15 minutes!! And they are way cheaper than mine! It's like Dodge vs Mercedes. I am neither, more along the lines of a 72 Pinto. But since my baby making days are over, I need to bring something to this household. Cleaning ain't happening. Hey, maybe I will make enough to hire someone?!! oh wow....the possibilities. What a dream come true! (hey the economy needs all the jobs they can get, right?!)

So anyway, right now I have one photo on my business card

But dang it's a cute photo!!! (this is my big Elliot)

So I promise to add my photos! Maybe i will be good enough to have a blog like PW (Pioneer Woman, aka Ree Drummond-yeah-AS IF!!!), but her photo layouts are the way to go! I love the amount of photos she has. I am having a hard time getting them in the right spot though. Any tips? I do my typing, add the photo, it pops up at the top, so I have to cut and paste it where I want it to go. Is that how it goes? oh well, till you tell me different, that's how it goes for me!!!

Do you have a fav blog? Like Rita's Coffeeshop (free photoshop stuff!!) or like Farrah's (I admit I stalk hers because her little C was born the day after my Elliot was born!) or how about Erin's
she is who I stalk on a daily basis really, I am just an internet stalker, nothing serious. Oh yeah and don't forget The Creative Junkie, seriously she is a RIOT!! So check out some of my favs and share yours! I really don't expect anything. I have one follower, and I think she and I follow close to the same people. But whatever.

oh yeah, and since I am really excited about me actually cooking things that require more than opening a box, I will share. They are usually pretty simple! I like things like that. If they require more than simple, well they usually don't happen. It's just how it is. No apologies. So last night I used PW's (see link 2 paragraphs above) cookbook. If you don't have it, get it! What else will she sign when you go meet her? what? you weren't going to meet her?! WHY???!!! I am-December 5th!!! Here in Houston! I can't wait. Maybe she will bring that delicious cowboy of hers....probably safer if she didn't. Texan women love some cowboys, especially real ones, not the fake ones we have here who work in downtown Houston, but claim cowboy on the weekend. Come here MM, I have some candy....wink, wink

ok, anyway...I made her Penne a la Betsy (which is her way of saying shrimp pasta) It was really good! Added a side of sauted asparagus tips (Sam's favorite) and it was a night! I doubled the recipe because, well let's face it, 3 guys eating at my table, one recipe isn't enough, so I always double. This makes A LOT doubled!!!

Ok, I think that was a pretty good post! Good timing, cause Elliot's hungry and I can't type with two hands and a baby on the boobie! (or should it be bubbie after the Jersey housewife?! hehehe)

BYE!!!

check out the new giveaway!!

2009-10-31T13:03:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting this set for a while and now it's a contest!!!! I am very hopeful!
http://thesavvyphotographer.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-giveaway-yay.html#comment-form

really cool giveaway on the savvy photographer!!

2009-10-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

this is an awesome giveaway!! and even if you don't win the giveaway there is a great discount!

The Savvy Photographer

Let's try blogging again shall we....

2009-05-11T10:35:00.002-07:00

Ok, so I suck. I admit it. this is why I never had a diary. I kept meaning to get back on here, but when I had only the desktop, it was hard. Now that I have the laptop, it's so much easier! Have I said how much I LOVE my laptop?! (It's pink, just so ya know!)

So much has happened since my last post. We are now pregnant with our 4th boy! Yeah, yeah yuk it up! We laughed pretty hard too. Our boys are excited about Elliot. Gabe really likes the baby idea, so much so that he thinks he has a baby in his tummy. He even shares his ninnie (pacifier) with my baby and his baby.

Sam is getting ready to start Kindergarten in the fall, so we are working hard on learning more stuff. He is excited, of course I am sad. Though perfect timing because Elliot will be coming at that time.

Austin will be turning 15 soon. I can't believe that. It amazes me. High school is next year-if he would get his act together and actually do his work. But then again, he has to take this dang TAKS test again. If he fails it, he fails 8th grade.

For those that have asked (and just know about it) my sis is doing GREAT!! Just celebrated a year sober and she is back to the fantastic person she always was. All my boys worship their Nana, as they should. Her kids (John Michael and Lilly) are so happy to have her back and they are doing great with her back. It just makes my heart swell every time I get to see her. I don't think I will ever take my sister for granted ever again.

Mother's Day was great around here. We spent Saturday out in the kiddie pools most of the day. Gabe loved that, as he hasn't played in pools much. He wasn't too fond of the clown pool while the clown was on it though. But once it was off, he loved that pool, probably because of the slide.

Then Sunday Kevin went to his mom's house with all the kids, and I got a day to myself. Which I spent painting the downstairs bathroom. As much as I spend time with them everyday, this was all I wanted was a day to accomplish my projects! Too bad there weren't more hours in Mother's Day! lol

let

2009-05-11T10:35:00.001-07:00

ok Jenn-sorry, I know I neglected it...but I been moving-GIVEAWAY IN THIS

2009-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

So I moved, had no internet for a month, once we did get it, I couldn't get on my computer, cause it was buried in boxes in my scrap room. I got to use Kevin's laptop, but only when he was out of town or in the evening. Yeah, I know I sound pitiful.

Anyway, I was looking around in my favorite mesg board and found this giveaway.
Go take a look!!

I promise I am going to start up my blog again-with real photos this time!!!

Birthdays, kids, and houses

2008-10-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

So I turned 32 the other day. I didn't know it though. I never can remember how old I am. I usually ask my brother in law, because his birthday is 5 months before mine-he's the older one! lol He told me he was 33, so that meant I was 33. REALLY?! aw crap. He totally had me going. I thought I missed a whole year!! The funny thing-I used to get so mad at my grandma cause she did the same thing. She never knew how old she was. She always asked me. Of course, being on the receiving end of great gifts-why would you know how old you are?! But that doesn't happen anymore, so I don't give a crud about birthdays anymore. :-) But my sister and the kids called and sang to me-that was cute. I did buy a house gift with some money I got from my dad and my mother in law. I will totally post pictures of it when I get it set up in the new house!!

Speaking of that-we're hoping to know soon!! Kevin goes out of town Sunday, so we are doing a power of attorney paperwork in case we do get to close while hes out of town. Just so I can get in-and get out of the in laws house!! lol They already have the sold sign in the yard-and we don't own it yet. That was exciting. I met one of the neighbors and I may be babysitting her 5 yr old after school, which is good. I planned on watching a few afterschoolers or one child all day-so I am guessing it will be after schoolers!

Austin has played his first football game last week and they won. Well, he didn't play-he didn't have a helmet. Apparently he took after me and got my big ol head! I had to go to the local high school and get one of their helmets to fit him. tomorrow is another game, he might play. I hope so. I hate sitting in those stands just scanning the field for him and then nothing. It reminded me of my high school days though. I remember dating one football player and I always looked for him while I was up in the stands. I was always so proud that MY boyfriend was on the football field!! But now, my heart just swells thinking of MY son out there! if only they would get him out there!! lol

I am tired of the computer-I will try to upload photos this week-I swear!

I need to mention some sad news that affects a friend

2008-10-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

In all my house joy, one of my friends and his wife are going thru a very tough time. I found out Friday night that his brother in law (her brother) committed suicide. It has been a very tough time for both of them. He had to plan a funeral, tell his 3 yr old about death, he lost his brother in law and she lost her brother. In such a tragic way.

Like I have said in the past-suicide should never be an option. There is ALWAYS someone who cares. Just reach out. It's hard, but it is NOTHING compared to the pain you will leave behind. And though you may not be suffering the hurt anymore, you leave guilt and pain and the question-why? It never goes away.

So please think about them while you are arguing with your siblings. Be thankful for the opportunity to be able to have that argument.

I am just jumping for joy lately!!!

2008-09-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

I just can't stand it!!! I just want to jump on the highest skyscraper and scream all my good news here lately.

We sold out house. 8 long months and it finally happened.

2 days later we got our electricity back.

That same day our offer was put in, while the original offer was not accepted, they came close with the counter-plus we got blinds (it's a brand new house, so we need those), closing costs and a new fridge! (I wanted a second fridge so bad)

My dad's in town helping to restore power-while i haven't gotten to actually hang out with him, he is here and that counts. (he lives in central Mississippi for those that don't know)

And with in 14 hours 2 people that I care deeply for contacted me to let me know they are pregnant!!! But what makes that even more special-they both suffered miscarriages recently. While all of my news is wonderful-I would give it all back, just to have that last bit of great news!!!! (I can't say names yet, because they may not want everyone to know-so that will come later)

On another note-today I went out and in my quest to be a little more "green" bought FANCY napkins!!! No paper towels for us-we get cloth!! lol I was never a paper napkin person, but paper towels were used a lot. (as opposed to some family members that buy paper towels AND the folder paper napkins) With my family of 5-that's a lot of paper towels. Bed, Bath and Beyond had a lot on clearance so I snatched em up. I also bought some of that Holy Cow cleaning stuff. We'll see how I like that. I ran out of coupons, but I am going back to get the microfiber cloths and the dryer balls. Heck, I'm even gonna try hanging my clothes out to dry!! (that may not go over with me, but I WILL try!)

One thing I haven't been able to give up is air freshners. Does anyone know of any "green" air freshners? I HATE...DESPISE....DETEST.....CAN'T STAND incense, so no go there. If you know any green hints-give em to me!! But don't talk about showering every other day-uh huh. no way! :-)

The end is almost near.....

2008-09-29T19:50:00.001-07:00

Electricity has been restored!! woohoo!! Last night I slept in my own bed again. It was ooooh so nice! Sam and Gabe both slept late-though it did me absolutely no good, since I still had to get up early. Had to get up and head of to sis in laws and clean out our bathroom and do general cleaning-ya know as a good guest should do. And I was supposed to watch Desperate Housewives and Bros & Sis's, that she recorded for me-but I FORGOT!! OMG!! So I don't know what I'm going to do. Is it really worth $3.50 a gallon to drive 30 miles one way......uhmmmmmm. YEAH!!

But, I have to be an adult about this-because we just signed a contract on a NEW HOUSE!!! I am so excited I can't stand it. It's been 8 months...8 LOOOOOOONG MONTHS that we have been here in my mother in laws house. I don't know what it feels like to have real privacy. To be able to come out in the living room and hang out with my kids with no input or someone else correcting my kids constantly. (or telling me my clothes are done in the dryer/washer-that really drives me batty!! lol)

We looked at some GORGEOUS homes-I really wanted an older home from the 80's. I think they are so much more character than new homes. But our last home needed repairs and Kevin is such a handyman (and a bit anal retintive) they were all fixed ASAP-even if the money wasn't there. So...new home it is. We had one lined up, but we knew they wouldn't except our offer (I was not sensitive to their feelings, cause they are corporate, so I didn't give a flip!) I asked for $55K off AND some more in concessions!! lol We found out today they didn't except, and their counter offer was reasonable, but still more than we wanted to pay. Plus I really didn't like the house. (I didn't hate it, it was nice, but it wasn't what I wanted)

So we looked. After all the older homes, we drove out to another neighborhood and we found one we both agreed on. The kitchen is GINORMOUS!!!!!!!! I mean, really I'm going to have to learn how to cook!!! :-) (well, cook better) I have an island!!! And my master bedroom is upstairs with the kids-which is what I want, unfortunately, I am in the minority on that point, so builders don't build like that anymore. My living room overlooks the backyard, as does my breakfast nook and my kitchen! My wash room is upstairs next to the kids rooms. And it's neutral brick with white trim and black shutters!!! Exactly what I was going to do to the other house!!!!!!

We are still going thru all the loan crap-but we've already been preapproved (pulled our credit), now they are just verifying. I am hoping our rate is good-I am so scared with everything going on.

OH and yes, this means we did sell our house finally!! It is GONE!!!!! We closed Thursday, it funded on Friday (the day Washington Mutual went down-agh!) We freaked when we heard that. BUt all was good.

We probably won't move in until closer to the end of October, because Kevin goes out of town for 2 weeks. Damn ol job! (but it's paying for my nice new house, so I will deal)

Off to search my decorating mags-I am so amped up for this new house!

We survived!!! (and today is my 5th anniversary)

2008-09-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry to not update (not that anyone is reading this besides Jenn!) I am limited on computer access. We have no power, so we are currently staying in the Richmond/Rosenburg area with Kevin's older brother and his family. (my mother in law and father in law are at the younger brothers house in Katy). Luckily their house suffered no damage, so all is good. But we don't know when we are getting power. We have heard this week, but we have also heard middle of October. So no telling. But the neighbors across the main street (thru the neighborhood) have power!! LOL oh well.

And yes, today is our 5 year anniversary. Feels more like 50 years in hell!!! :-D hahahaha He forgot until almost lunch time. Then he calls me asking why I didn't say Happy Anniversary this morning. Yeah, like I am the one that forgets stuff! He tried really hard to play that one off, but he got busted. I don't care though. It's cool.

Thursday we are making the trip up to Grand Prairie one last time and we are finally selling our house!! woohoo!!! I am so sad to see that chapter end....I love my house and it was the first time I ever felt like it was MINE. But it's his career that I support and it brought us here. Which I am grateful to be back with all our family, but it's so sad to leave. I feel like that's all I have ever done is move and leave. I have no real roots. The same with Austin. But hopefully Sammy and Gabe will have the roots and what roots Austin gets now will ground him in high school and college and when he eventually has a family. (which hopefully I have at least 10 years before that happens!)

so yes, we are ok, but I just don't get on the computer much here. Till I post again......

Some people are just nice

2008-09-11T20:22:00.001-07:00

I was really upset when I posted my previous post. really upset. So I took a break and got out of the house to go find bread. Find bread you ask? Yeah-I went to 6 stores!! lol I did finally find it (at the most expensive store in town) and it was wheat (which none of this family eats, except me). But we needed more bread.

The manager laughed at me when I almost knocked him down to get it. Then I got in in behind this woman and she saw I had bread and she was shocked! So I told her about it, held her place in line and when she came back, she let me go ahead of her! (she had a whole basket and I had 4 items) Then the lady in the line next to us let another guy who only had bread, ahead of her!!

then we all complained about HEB, because they actually had a line to get in the store! It was horrible. I will gladly pay $1.00 more for this store's bread than fight the crowd at HEB. (though I do normally love HEB).

Ok...hope everyone does ok starting tomorrow.

Ike is coming!!!

2008-09-11T12:14:00.001-07:00

Can I say I hate hurricanes?! Really, I do. Though I am better at handling them than tornadoes. (at least we knew Ike was coming!) So we are all home now (well, at my inlaws) and everything is put up in the garage....and now the fun begins. do you know how much fun it is to have 4 adults and 3 kids with 2 dogs inside a house for probably the whole weekend? yeah...that.

I'm already ready to bite heads off, because people are stupid and just want to be mean. But I have to be the bigger person. Don't understand it, but whatever. If I say anything, then i'm the bad guy, so I'll just leave well enough alone and just be pissed off.

So.......for those of you that don't know where we are...we are in SW Houston. If you hear them talking about Sugarland, Richmond, Rosenburg, Stafford-that's close to us. (for non Houstonians, it's easier to listen to the other cities around us, then to look for us in Houston). We will be impacted by Ike, depending on how strong it stays as it comes ashore. But we will not have a storm surge. We are a good hour, hour and a half away from the shore-thank God.

I will get back on and let ya know how we faired when I can. Hopefully we won't lose power. Oh Lord help me if we do.

Parents are not supposed to bury their children-it's just not right

2008-09-08T20:37:00.001-07:00

My kids are fine...please don't worry!

But there is a story that I read about back when I was pregnant. It was awful. A couple in California was driving down the freeway and a semi truck came up too fast on their mini van and crumpled the back end of the van. Where their 3 children were. Kyle, Emma and Katie were killed that day. I remember being so thankful that my 2 boys were home safe with me, and thanking God that I was having a pretty healthy pregnancy of my 3rd little boy. Then I felt guilty that I was thankful for my kids. Of course, I couldn't help it. Then I cried. 3 little innocent kids were gone. Parents that absolutely cherished these children were left heart broken and alone. All I could think of was-how do you go on? How can you find it in your heart to love again-knowing what could happen?

I'm so glad these beautiful people did go on. Because now there are 3 more in their family! They welcome Ashely, Ellie, and Jake into the world back on April 30 of this year. Can you imagine? I go back and forth on my faith and what I believe and what not. But this story...wow. I mean, you lose a little boy and 2 little girls in one big swoop and then to get 1 little boy and 2 little girls all at once? Really? How can you NOT believe that's the kids watching out for their mom and dad? (and grandparents too!) Not that one set of children replaces the others...there is no way that will ever happen. But now there are 3 more people in this world to remember Kyle, Emma and Katie. To help pass on their legacy.

And because of their loss, the family has been involved in fixing the truck safety on the highways. HOw can they NOT help? Who would doubt what they say as they show pictures and videos of those beautiful happy children?

I think about them all the time, which is weird, since I don't know them. But those children....they just speak to you. You watch their videos and you look at their pictures and then you know they are gone. But they aren't. You know? Their parents want to make sure no one forgets them...and I have to say I don't think I will ever forget this family. Which means that this is one more person that will keep their legacy going. I hug my boys a little tighter because of them. I watch cars around me constantly because of them. I drive slower than I used to...because of them.

Here's their story if you would like to see these beautiful kids.
http://www.laderatimes.com/Coble_Diary.html

My oldest baby is a QB!!!!

2008-09-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

But he wants to quit already...after 2 days of practice! ugh

Y'all know, I love me some football! And I have tried to get Austin to play football forever. This year my dream finally came true-he was signing up for football. We paid the money for the school insurance (in addition to ours), paid for the physical, went to an athletics meeting and waited for practice to start.

Monday no school because of Labor Day. So Tuesday and Wednesday he had practice. We teased about him dying after practice, but he seemed to be handling it pretty well. Then Thursday he "forgot" his gym clothes (their practice uniforms were being assigned on Friday), so no practice-according to him, per his coach. Today we get a phone call there is no practice. I KNEW that wasn't true. So I called the school, talked to the volleyball coach (the only coach in the office at the time) and then I marched my butt out on to the field and talked to the HEAD coach!! lol Yes, there was practice, and he may be late, but he was getting out there! I was not shelling out the money I had for him to quit!

I mean he is the QUARTERBACK!!!! I would understand if I really pushed him into it, but I gave up a long time ago. It's actually my sister in law's boyfriend and his father that commented on him joining football and then the coach noticed him throwing.

I just wish he wouldn't give up so easily. I'm going to try to get pics tomorrow at practice. So far I have been told I can't. But tomorrow he can't stop me, cause i have daddy home tomorrow! neiner neiner neiner!

All you photographers and mommys to little girls

2008-09-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this! This lady is having a contest to win a tutu and they are super cute! I want one for props for the girls in our family, but they are perfect for all you girl moms!

http://yayapapayatutus.blogspot.com/

good luck-hope I win!!! lol

finishing previous post...

2008-09-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know what the heck happened on previous post...but here is the rest.

Ok..Martha Stewart I am not, but this cake was fun making with Sammy. He helped me pick out the decorations and he even decorated the cupcakes...after he tested every color of the DOTS candy.

And here is mister man now...the only photo I have of his face from the whole party!

And here is BIRTHDAY BOY! He is leaning in for a bite on that left photo. he was so funny eating his cake. He tried to feed Nana, Daddy and even the party hostess! He loves to share his food...though usually it's with the dogs.

We had a lot of fun...including a disappearing cousin. He joined the BIG party going on in the next room. We had a scare for about 2 minutes, but luckily we found him sliding on their slide. He was completely oblivious. 3 yr olds are so funny.

***just to let everyone know, the photos are limited because not all of my family wants photos of their kids on here. Also, Austin and Sam do not sit still for photos at home, they certainly aren't going to do it in a play place. And because I freaked out by some freaks claiming photos of various kids as their own, my photos will have a "watermark" on them. I'm not claiming them as copyrighted, just making sure no one tries to use them.****

Birthday update

2008-09-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

I promise I haven't forgotten about my new blog already! I have been working thru all my photos to see what I was going to post. Y'all know me-I don't go somewhere with my kids and family and take 24 photos...what do you think I do-use a roll of film? oh HELL no.....I had to wade thru almost 300 photos!!! Now these are from the birthday party, the day before and after the party, and it was his first! So I have an excuse...right? lol

Let's start the film then!

This is Gabe the night before getting his big present! He and Sam had so much fun playing in the lil kitchen. But he particularly loved the sink. The ball would go down the drain and he would look down the drain like "hey, where did it go?"

We had the party at Bounce U-an indoor bouncing place. Not the typical place for a 1st birthday, but Gabe loves them. So does Sam. After everyone had gotten there, our hostess said since the birthday boy wasn't walking yet, EVERYONE should crawl to the room where the party was! So.....
we did! lol ok...the grown ups didn't. Austin didn't even do it.

Here he is playing with his Nana (and her playing with Austin or just sliding)

Daddy and Gabe were having a blast!

for some reason I can't load anymore photos...gonna try in another post

random stuff....

2008-08-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

I was going to post photos from Gabe's birthday party today, but my computer is being weird and it's just pissing me off, so I'm not now. I will try again tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow-please think of the people on the coast. My family was directly affected by Katrina and thankfully my mom and grandma have moved away from the coast. But I still have my cousin Rachel and her new hubby Nathan down there, plus her sister and my uncle & aunt. (and her brother and his family too) Plus all my friends-one of which lost their home in Katrina too. I think we are overly prepared this time, which I think is good. Better safe than sorry. (I say this ALL.THE.TIME.)

It's getting close to when they (the weather teams) think Gustav will make land fall, so I am very anxious. I am so scared to go to sleep and see what is on the news in the morning. It's like deja vu all over again. (deja vu and all over again are kinda like repeating something huh? I mean, the 2 phrases are repeating what the other is saying...not the actual meaning of the phrases..oh crap, I'm confusing myself!) never mind.....

Ok, going to bed. Maybe my brain got jiggled in the bounce houses today...or maybe it was the cupcakes with demonic icing. (story for tomorrow with pics)! off to sleep...

New header!!!

2008-08-29T21:39:00.001-07:00

Just a little too excited about that! hehehe (doesn't take much for me ya know) Thanks to Jenn & Jordan (both over in my stalkerish file) for helping me with this. I can't believe how easy it was. And the fact that I love my boys on the graffiti wall makes it so much better.

One note-I did not leave my background white. I did add a photo of the graffiti (that Austin took). It doesn't show much, but I didn't want white background.

I don't know how much time I will get on tomorrow since my lil wee man will be one tomorrow!!! Probably will try to change some more things tomorrow night. Sunday is the big party-that hardly anyone is coming to. Damn Gustov and Labor Day!

Here we go...

2008-08-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

Since I have been bloggin on myspace I have decided that I like it. But myspace makes them disappear, so....what's the point? Plus some of my friends aren't on myspace, so I figured this would be good. Lame post I know...but Kevin is sleepin and getting pissed that I am typing, so I think I'm done. Will play with it this weekend and will add photos and all that stuff. Maybe I'll make it pretty?! lol